User manual BRIGGS & STRATTON SMALL ENGINE CARE AND REPAIR

[. . . ] SMALL ENGINE ® A step-by-step guide to maintaining your small engine www. briggsandstratton. com INTRODUCTION Briggs & Stratton has been a major force behind the explosion in small engine popularity. This quintessential American company builds more than two-thirds of all lawn mower engines and is a major producer of four-stroke small engines for almost every application. You may find many brands of mowers, tractors and other equipment at your power equipment retailer. Look closely: chances are good the engines are built by Briggs & Stratton. [. . . ] New engines require this extra step to flush out small particles that accumulate naturally during the break-in period. Hours of use are just one factor in determining how often the oil should be changed; the amount of wear and tear is equally important. Just like the oil in a vehicle operated in extremely dirty or dusty conditions or at high speeds, the oil in a lawn mower or other small engine breaks down faster under tough conditions, such as wet grass, heavy dust, high temperatures and rough or hilly terrain. Tools & materials: Socket wrench set, box\wrench or adjustable wrench, screwdriver or hex key, oil filter or pipe wrench (for models with filters), oil drain pan, funnel. Changing the oil Once you decide the oil needs changing, check your owner's manual to determine the type of oil, and make sure you have enough on hand. Draining the oil while it's warm will carry off many floating particles that would otherwise settle in the engine. Checking the oil Make it a habit to check the oil level and appearance each time you're about to start a small engine. Checking the oil while the engine is cold and most of the oil is in the crankcase yields the most accurate reading. But you'll ensure a better-running engine and avoid problems down the road if you keep the crankcase full and change the oil on schedule and any time the oil loses its amber hue. 1. Stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug lead and secure it away from the spark plug. On mowers, the plug is typically below the deck and may be obscured by a layer of grass and debris. A 2. Wipe the area with a rag to prevent debris from falling into the crankcase when you open the drain plug. Tilt the mower deck and position some newspaper and an oil pan or jug beneath the mower. Use a socket wrench to turn the plug counterclockwise, allowing the old oil to drain (photo A). If the plug also serves as a fill cap, it may have two prongs so you can loosen it by hand or use a screwdriver or hex key for additional torque. Replace the drain plug by twisting clockwise and tightening with a box wrench or adjustable wrench. 1. Fill cap locations vary, depending on the make and model of your engine. On newer models, look for an oil can symbol or the word "oil" or "fill" stamped on the plug. Some engines contain either an extended oil fill tube or a standard fill hole with a dipstick for inspection. Others require you to remove the fill cap to check that the oil is at the fill line or the top of the fill hole. B 3. If your engine has a filter, replace it at least once a season, more often under heavy use. Replace the filter by twisting counterclockwise on the body, using a filter wrench or pipe wrench. 2. To prevent dirt and debris from falling B into the crankcase, wipe the area around the cap with a clean cloth before removing the cap. If there is no dipstick, dab the oil with a clean tip of the cloth to inspect the oil (photo B). 4. [. . . ] The cartridge should be cleaned every 100 hours. Tools & materials: Engine oil, screwdrivers, liquid detergent. Time required: 30 minutes. Pleats in a paper element that are discolored, bent or water-damaged can no longer provide adequate air to the carburetor. Replace the element when it approaches this condition. Servicing a pleated-paper or dual-element air cleaner Dual-element air cleaners come in a variety of designs. With the cover removed, separate the precleaner (if equipped) from the cartridge (photo C). Servicing a foam air cleaner 1. [. . . ]